Venice is one of the loveliest cities I've ever seen. Even the trash cans are prettier. My first day, I wandered around without a map or itinerary, just soaking it all in. I picked up some cherries and dates from a fruit stand and walked along bridges over canals until the sidewalk ended and I came to the water’s edge. I found a little pier and sunbathed for hours. After a cappuccino, I wandered until I found the grand canal. And at sunset I sat by the gondola-lined water with a slice of pizza.

I've been thinking a lot lately about consumer culture and how it's infiltrated parts of life that aren't meant to be consumed, like relationships experiences. Seeing Venice in all of her romance covered with so many tourists, I felt a sense of protection. I wanted everyone to stop for a second and just marvel at her beauty.

I never want to be the kind of traveler who shows up to consume. To “do it for the ‘gram.” I want to be the kind who shows up ready to experience a new way of doing life. To peel off the lenses through which I view the world and swap them out for new ones. To realize that my default way of thinking, what's “normal” to me, isn't objectively normal. There are other lenses to see through and there is always something new to be learned.

As I wandered around my second day in the city, I stopped for coffee and tried a mint slush with a shot of espresso (it was surprisingly delicious and super refreshing.) After chatting for a few minutes, my barista recommended I visit La Biennale. I saw a fantastic exhibit about human belonging and migration. It was really impactful. I left feeling reflective and hopeful. I also loved seeing so much thought provoking, meaningful art all around the city.

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ABOUT.

Hi! Welcome to my blog. Whether you stumbled upon this page through your friend’s friend’s Instagram or you’ve been following for a while, I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for stopping by and letting me share my life with you.

I write mostly about the places I visit and the people I meet. I love to write for the same reason I love to travel: because it teaches me a new way of seeing the world.

This blog is about saying yes to the things that make you feel alive. It’s about rolling with the punches and embracing uncertainty because not everything will be smooth sailing. A life of adventure is full of challenges but I think it's worth it. Here's to saying yes to adventure, whatever that looks like for you.

Thank you so much for reading and experiencing this journey with me! :)